Pratt & Whitney to Move Plant, Cut Jobs

Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp., said it will cut at least 1,500 jobs, or 5% of its work force, and move its military jet engine business from Florida to its East Hartford, Conn., home base in a broad restructuring to be completed by the end of 2000. In addition, the Sikorsky helicopter unit of United Technologies said it will move its S-76 helicopter operation from West Palm Beach, Fla., to an undecided location as part of a restructuring. It said it did not know how many of the plant’s 520 workers might transfer or be laid off. Pratt spokesman Mark Sullivan said most of the more than 2,000 people who work on military engines in West Palm Beach will be offered the opportunity to transfer to Connecticut. United Technologies shares rose $3.19 to close at $66.38 on the New York Stock Exchange.